Paulo Costa decisions Roman Kopylov in UFC 318 co-main event

A middleweight bout between No. 13 ranked Paulo Costa and No. 14 ranked Roman Kopylov served as the UFC 318 co-main event on Saturday. 

Costa entered the fight coming off back-to-back losses and had been defeated in four of his last five fights. The former title challenger was fighting to remain in the rankings and stay relevant in the 185-pound division. 

Kopylov made the walk to the octagon inside Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on a two-fight winning streak. He had won six of his last seven fights and looked to build on the momentum. 

Costa took the center of the octagon and delivered a leg kick. Kopylov responded with a right hand. Costa connected with another leg kick. Costa inched forward with a right hand followed by a kick to the body. Costa continued to invest in leg kicks. Kopylov moved into the pocked with a combination. Costa went high with a kick but it was blocked. Kopylov delivered a powerful kick to the body. Costa connected with a right hand as Kopylov closed the distance that knocked the Russian down. Kopylov got back to his feet and circled. Costa targeted the body with a kick. MMAWeekly scored the opening round 10-9 for Costa. 

They met in the center of the cage to start the second frame. Costa delivered two kicks to the body. Kopylov landed a counter right hand. Costa targeted the body with punches and kicks. Costa began moving forward. He landed a straight right hand that wobbled Kopylov. Kopylov circled away. Costa dictated the pace and the exchanges. Kopylov connected with a right hand. Costa went back to landing leg kicks late in the round. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Costa. 

Kopylov pressured Costa to start the final frame. Costa continued to deliver leg kicks. Kopylov stepped forward with a left hand,. Kopylov picked up the pace but walked into a right hand. Costa land a right. Kopylov responded with right that may have stunned Costa. Costa circle and used his jab to keep Kopylov on the. outside. Kopylov landed a left hand. Costa responded with a hook to the body. They exchanged right hands. Costa ended the fight with a right hand. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Costa. 

The judges scored the fight for Costa via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.